Prompt: mince pies & the Magnificent Bastard
Kirsten stared at the jar in the supermarket. She had never cared for mince pies. The thought of a pie made with meat didn't appeal to her. But here she stood staring at a jar of pre-made mincemeat.
Mince pies had been one of her father's favorites. He would tell her stories when she was younger of what a great cook his mother was. It wasn't like Caleb to speak fondly of his past but he did make that exception.
It was Kirsten's first Christmas without him, the last with the boys in the house, and the first after rehab.
Staring at the sad memory, her mind drifted to the wine section, a mere two rows over. Her tongue began to ache for the bitter sweetness. Her stomach longed for the warmth. Her mind pleaded for the numbness.
Shaking the tears from her eyes, Kirsten put the jar back, knowing an honorary mince pie would do nothing but harm.